staph

noun

: staphylococcus
also : an infection with staphylococci

Examples of staph in a Sentence

a resistant strain of staph
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After an unimpressive Heat summer-league run under coach Erik Spoelstra in 2006 on a roster that included current Heat assistant Chris Quinn, Gansey contracted a life-threatening staph infection that proved to be MRSA. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staph bacteria are commonly found on the skin or in the noses of many people and often do not cause problems. Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 In those cases, staph can lead to blood infections, pneumonia, heart failure or stroke, or bone and joint infection and life-threatening conditions like sepsis and septic shock. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 May 2026 The abscess, once drained, was found to have a staph infection. David J. Neal may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for staph

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staph was circa 1933

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Staph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staph. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

staph

noun
: staphylococcus
also : an infection with staphylococci

Medical Definition

staph

noun
: staphylococcus sense 2
also : an infection with staphylococci
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